From 1 November 2026, a new EU-mandated processing fee of two euros will apply to private individuals’ online purchases imported into the European Union (EU) from non-EU countries. International technology and logistics group Omniva explains what these changes will mean for Latvian residents shopping on foreign online stores and platforms.”It is important to understand that the two-euro fee will not apply to each parcel as a whole, but to each separate goods category listed in the customs declaration. For example, if you order three pairs of trousers, the fee will be two euros. However, if you purchase trousers, a lawnmower and a soup ladle in a single order, the fee will be six euros because these items belong to three different product categories,” explained Jānis Andžāns, Head of Communications at Omniva.The fee will apply to goods imported from countries outside the EU, including China, the United States and the United Kingdom.It will apply regardless of the value of the goods, including purchases exceeding 150 euros.The new processing fee is a separate charge and does not replace other applicable taxes or the three-euro customs duty introduced in July.For parcels delivered by Omniva, customers in Latvia will not need to complete customs clearance procedures themselves, as the necessary formalities will be handled as part of the delivery process.This means the introduction of the new fee will not, in itself, require customers to take any additional action, Omniva explained.At the same time, the company urges customers to remain particularly vigilant against fraudulent payment requests.If customers have doubts about a text message or email they receive, they should verify parcel and payment information through Omniva’s official website or mobile application.The company also warns customers not to click suspicious payment links, disclose online banking PIN codes or approve unexpected authentication requests.
New customs processing fee takes effect – what parcel recipients need to know
